Fiordland, in southwest New Zealand, is a place where legends and myths are loosely mingled with the overwhelming reality of an awe-inspiring landscape.

This dramatic land of rivers, lakes, mountains and forests was carved thousands of years ago as glacial rivers ground valleys out of granite mountains and inched their way to the Tasman Sea. Today, water still dominates the landscape as one of the highest rainfalls in the world transforms mountains and forests into spectacular waterfalls, tumbling pristine rivers and precious bogmires that contain unique and endangered flora and fauna.

Besides being one of the largest national parks in the world, Fiordland is also part of the Southwest World Heritage Area. The best-known and most accessible part of this area is the Milford Road and Milford Sound. Named by early settlers after their native Milford Haven in Wales, the region’s history encompasses both Maori and European journeys and settlement. Today visitors are enthralled by the immense landscape as they travel from Te Anau, through glacial carved valleys, to the deep waters of Milford Sound and the well-known image of Mitre Peak. Take a boat cruise on the waters of Milford Sound, passing by towering cliffs and viewing local flora and wildlife – it is one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions.

The nearest civilisation is the attractive resort village of Te Anau, nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Here visitors will find the perfect combination of small rural town friendliness and excellent service with fine restaurants, interesting and varied shopping and accommodation to suit every traveller. Visitors can explore the region by scenic flight, launch cruise, sea kayak, underwater diving, cycling and by hiking.

Regional Highlights

Unforgettable Sights

Milford Sound Gaze upon the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak reflected in the glassy water of Milford Sound. Doubtful Sound Serenely beautiful, Milford Sound’s mysterious sister is sometimes referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’. Lake Te Anau The largest lake in the South Island and the second largest in New Zealand. Te Anau Glow-worm Caves Situated on the western shores of Lake Te Anau, these magical caves are accessible only by boat.

Adrenaline Rush

Quad bike adventure (Te Anau) Tour by four-wheel-drive farm bike for a challenging exploration of the countryside. www.highride.co.nz Skydiving A huge thrill against an unbeatable backdrop of some of the best scenery in the world. Jet boating (Manapouri) Journey deep into Fiordland National Park as you travel on the Upper Waiau River. www.luxmorejet.co.nz Scenic flight Take a scenic flight amongst soaring mountains. Sea kayaking Paddle Milford or Doubtful Sound against a spectacular scenic backdrop. Tawaki Dive & Scenic Tours (Te Anau) Guided dives to see Milford’s unique marine environment up close. www.tawakidive.co.nz

Relax & Indulge

Lakeside strolling Unwind in the relaxed atmosphere with a walk along the shores of Lake Te Anau, enjoying stunning views across the water and of the Kepler Mountains. Boat cruise Relax and soak up the scenery on a lake cruise. Ata Whenua, Fiordland Cinema (Te Anau) The unseen side of Fiordland’s wilderness filmed across extremes of season and terrain. www.fiordlandcinema.co.nz Golfing A beautiful landscape is the perfect setting for golf.

Luxury

Fiordland Lodge (Te Anau) Luxury lodge offering the discerning traveller comfort and privacy. www.fiordlandlodge.co.nz Real Journeys: Overnight on Doubtful Sound Enjoy the stunning views and discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound. www.realjourneys.co.nz

Culture

Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre (Te Anau) Offering a regional insight, including information and bookings for walking tracks, an audio visual show and museum. www.doc.govt.nz

Natural New Nealand

Te Anau Wildlife Centre (Te Anau) Native species such as Takahe, Kaka, Tui, Kea, Weka and Kereru. www.doc.govt.nz Tramping/walking Try one of the multi-day tracks in the region including The Milford Track, The Kepler Track and The Hollyford Track.

On a Budget

Fantastic scenery The scenery is why most people visit Fiordland and you can see much of it for free! Fiordland Astronomy (Te Anau) Small-group night sky viewing with binoculars and large telescope, phone +64 27 269 9478.

The Iconic Experience

Visiting Milford Sound to cruise the fiord and indulge in views of spectacular Mitre Peak. There are also the Great Walks, a must-do for any visitor to New Zealand, even if they only walk part of the trail.

Dining & Shopping

Exclusive Dining

Josswood (Te Anau) A rural home with a restaurant (group bookings only), phone +64 3 249 7166.

Casual Dining

Bailiez Café and Bar (Te Anau) Huge recycled beams and stone décor, phone +64 3 249 7526.

Café

Sandfly Café (Te Anau) Serving tasty breakfasts and home-style lunch treats, phone +64 3 249 9529.

Stylish Bar

The Fat Duck (Te Anau) Soak in the atmosphere and choose from an extensive à la carte menu, coffee and cabinet food, phone +64 3 249 8480.

Cosy Pub

The Moose (Te Anau) Great family dining, indoors and outdoors, and pleasant lake views, phone +64 3 249 7100.

Culinary Experience

Local delicacies Every visitor should sample Fiordland’s delicious venison and crayfish.

Shop or Gallery

Fab & Finesse (Te Anau) Souvenirs, gifts, women’s clothing and jewellery, phone +64 3 249 8451.

Suggested Itineraries

2 days in Fiordland

Start Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin
Finish Te Anau or Manapouri
Day 1 Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin – Te Anau
Day 2 Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau
Travel to Te Anau and spend the afternoon exploring the area and sampling local activities such as a Lake Te Anau Cruise, scenic flight or visit the Te Anau Wildlife Park, followed by dinner and a Night Sky Tour with Fiordland Astronomy. On Day 2, get up early and drive to Milford before the crowds, seeing the stunning scenery at its early morning best. Cruise on Milford Sound and visit the Underwater Observatory. Take a short walk and enjoy a last night in Te Anau or Manapouri before departing the next day.

5 days in Fiordland

Start Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin
Finish Te Anau or Manapouri
Day 1 Queenstown, Invercargill or Dunedin – Te Anau
Day 2 Te Anau – Milford Sound
Day 3 Walking Tour
Day 4 Walking Tour
Day 5 Walking Tour
For those spending a little longer in the Fiordland region, a guided or independent walking tour is highly recommended. Spend the first two days as in the two-day itinerary, but add on one of the following options:
•    Kepler Track (3 or 4 days)
•    Milford Track (4 or 5 days)
•    Routeburn Track (3 days)
•    Hump Ridge Track (3 days)
•    Hollyford Track (3 days)

Road Trip

The Milford Road This stunning alpine drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound passes through tussock country, native bush and mountains around the Homer Tunnel.

Transport

Airports

The closest domestic airports with scheduled services are Queenstown and Invercargill. Queenstown Airport has domestic flights and a trans-Tasman service. Invercargill Airport provides domestic flights only. Chartered flights are able to land at Te Anau/Manapouri airport and there are occasional seats available on DC3 or Convair aircraft operated by Pioneer. Air Fiordland, Air Milford, Wings n Water and various helicopter operators also offer charter connections between Queenstown and Te Anau.

Roads

Te Anau is located on State Highway 94. It is two hours, 30 minutes from Queenstown and two hours from Invercargill. Regular coach services operate in the region. Within the region it is a two hour, 30 minute drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. A guided tour is an ideal way of ensuring you get the most out of this very special region – leaving you free to absorb the stunning scenery.

Further Information

Destination Fiordland

PO Box 155, Te Anau
Phone +64 3 249 7959
www.fiordland.org.nz

Map powered by MapPress

Close

Close